Chief Engineer -Aerospace Actuation and Actuation Systems

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Engineering at CW Actuation Division, you will provide technical oversight and direction within Curtiss-Wright’s aerospace actuation group. In this role, you will serve as a technical expert on aerospace actuation equipment and systems, including:

• Hydromechanical actuation systems
• Electromechanical actuation systems
• Motion control systems
• Flight control actuation
• Power drive units (PDUs) and associated actuation components
• High lift systems
• Integrated hardware/software aerospace systems

Location: Shelby, NC (greater Charlotte, NC area).

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction within a matrix engineering organization on bids/proposals and NPI/IRAD projects.
• Lead communication with customers on technical topics, project progress, and issue resolution.
• Create and evaluate bid & proposal materials, including technical proposals and NRE estimates.
• Evaluate, refine, and derive requirements (flow down, decomposition, derivation, traceability, compliance, etc.).
• Create aerospace reliability analyses such as FMEA and FMECA.
• Lead root cause and corrective action initiatives using methodologies like 8D, A4, 5-why, or Ishikawa.
• Deliver results on time and within budget.
• Create and refine technical governance and best practices, ensuring team compliance.
• Mentor technical talent, demonstrate servant leadership, and advocate for team success.
• Advise senior leadership on technology development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or equivalent) is required; master’s degree preferred.
• 15–30 years of experience in aerospace actuation or flight controls.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the following areas:
  • Mechanical design
  • Geared actuation
  • Motors/power electronics
  • Embedded software
  • Safety-critical architecture
  • Aerospace certification
  • Systems engineering
  • FAA/EASA compliance
  • DAL-certified integrated systems

About the Company

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division is a ~$200 million Commercial and Military Aerospace business unit within Curtiss-Wright Corporation. The Actuation Group aims to be a world leader in the design, manufacture, and service of high-power motion control systems and components, growing revenue through organic growth and M&A activity.

The U.S. facility in Shelby, NC, is the OEM Manufacturing Center of Excellence for flight control and utility actuation product lines. This 180,000-square-foot facility is ISO 9001/AS9100 certified and equipped for manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems. Significant investments have been made to create a modern manufacturing environment to meet global market demands.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• 401K with employer match and profit sharing
• Health and wellness benefits
• Learning and development opportunities
• Referral program
• Competitive pay
• Recognition programs
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Inclusive and supportive culture